Legendary Venice: Doge's Palace, St Mark's & VIP Terrace Access
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
With skip-the-line tickets and an expert guide, you’ll explore Venice’s top two landmarks, St. Mark’s Basilica and the Doge’s Palace, in just two unforgettable hours. Wander the gilded council rooms in the Doge's Palace, cross the Bridge of Sighs, uncover enthralling stories of power and politics, and marvel at the golden mosaic ceiling in St. Mark's Basilica. Note: If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These options have a tour duration of 3 hours.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Due to the religious nature of St. Mark's Basilica, all individuals regardless of gender must cover their shoulders and knees. You can bring extra covering (scarves, etc) to put on just before entering St. Mark's. Walks cannot be held responsible for those denied entry.
Sites visited during this tour are subject to occasional closures due to holy observances, high tides, and/or flooding. If a site closes, your guide will tour the exterior of the site. If time permits, we will reach out to you prior to your tour. If the local municipality restricts access due to high tide and there are no walkways available, it is the client’s responsibility to bring appropriate footwear (e.g., boots). For last-minute closures, modifications may be communicated at the tour start time.
No refund will be provided if high tide prevents certain parts of the tour, but adjustments to the route will be made for client safety and comfort.
If access is restricted due to private events inside St. Mark's Basilica and/or Doge's Palace, we cannot be held responsible. This is a situation beyond our control. No refund will be issued.
St. Mark’s Basilica can be subject to closures due to particular liturgical celebrations, especially during major religious holidays such as Easter or Christmas. In the event that the Basilica is closed, explanations will be provided from the outside.
Please note that a photo ID is required to visit the St. Marks Basilica. Failure to bring an ID can result in the security staff refusing your entrance to the monument.
If you select the Private Legendary Venice option (max 6 people) or Legendary Venice with Terraces option at time of booking, you’ll have the once-in-a-lifetime chance to admire beautiful views from the balcony over St. Mark's Square. These tour departures are 3 hours.
Cancellation Policy
If you cancel at least 3 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel within 3 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
What To Expect
Piazza San Marco
Begin in the world-famous St. Mark’s Square (Piazza San Marco) and take a moment to appreciate the breathtaking space laid out in front of you. Your guide will lay the foundation for your experience, setting the scene of centuries of Venetian history under the famed arched portico.
Palazzo Ducale
Start your day at Palazzo Ducale, or Doge's Palace, home to the doge, or duke, of Venice and his seat of government. As your guide leads you through its grand chambers and council rooms, they'll point out paintings by renowned Venetian masters such as Veronese and Tintoretto. You'll hear how Venice was ruled from within these walls and about some of its famous prisoners, including Casanova. You'll even walk in their footsteps as you cross the Bridge of Sighs from the palace and into the grim New Prisons. Note: Step inside the Doge’s Palace before it opens to the public to wander the empty chambers—an exclusive early access experience only available on this tour’s 8AM departure. The 8AM tour also includes a tour of St. Mark's Basilica and special access to the terraces with incredible privileged views of St. Mark's Square.
What‘s Included
Pre-reserved ticket to the Doge's Palace (25 €)
Local English-speaking guide
Exclusive Early Entry to the Doge's Palace (8 AM only)
Exclusive access to the balcony of St. Mark's Basilica (if option selected)
Spanish Speaking guide (if option selected)
Skip-the-line ticket for St. Mark's Basilica (St. Mark's Basilica + Museum 24€)
Headsets when necessary
Gratuities
Hotel Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Lunch
Options
Legendary Venice with terraces
Small Group Tour in English: Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica w/ terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—Exclusive Doge's Palace Early Entry, 8AM only
Legendary Venice Spanish Tour
Spanish Group Tour(No Terrace): Join this Spanish language tour - explore Doge’s Palace & skip the line into St Mark’s Basilica on this 2-hour tour of Venice
Private - Legendary Venice
Private Tour w/ Terrace: Explore Venice’s top attractions—St. Mark’s Basilica & terraces, and the Doge’s Palace—on a private English guided tour.
Legendary Venice No Terrace
St. Mark's Basilica & Doge's: Discover the Doge’s Palace and then skip the line into St. Mark's Basilica on this express English guided tour.
Reviews
5,398 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Amazing tour guidd see e Carolina !!!
Go15485239417,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Carolina was our tour guide in Venezia She was amazing !! The tour was informative and she explained everything with such joy and excitement . She not only knows her stuff but seems to truly enjoy her job
Wonderful guide
mariaiF4401TZ,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Moses was a fantastic guide- incredibly knowledgeable, considerate of the people on the tour, and funny. Thank you Moses for the great tour.
Great tour and amazing tour guide!
sasheg2026,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful tour. Early access before public crowd to the Doge’s Palace. Great tour guide, Susan, explaining everything in details. Amazing experience.
Great Doge Palace Tour with cathedral!
leebT4806RM,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Susan is excellent. Great history, great humor, excellent access without crowds. Highly recommend!
Susan made our early morning VIP tour splendid! Very informative and not rushed
967fadis,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00great tour very informative. being here early was very nice and not crowded
Great Tour
dylanlM9826AH,May 26, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Susan was an excellent guide! The tour was outstanding
Disappointed, missed our tour! Leave hours before start time if around airport area. No compensation or consideration.
Wilma B,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00Well……… LEAVE TO THE MEETING SPOT A MINIMUM OF 2 1/2 HOURS BEFORE, IF YOU ARE STAYING ANYWHERE NEAR THE AIRPORT! By the time we were able to get on a second very full bus and then eventually be able to get on a very full water boat, we missed our guide at the meeting point by 10 minutes of the start time of the tour. After numerous calls to Viator and the Provider we were not given the chance to join the tour that was going to the second location. There was also no consideration given to provide any type of a small refund. We were offered tickets that we were not able to use as they were a week after our departure. We felt that these tickets have some value if we are eligible to use them at a later date and expected some small compensation but were declined. This made for what was a very expensive, disappointing experience.
Worth your time!
Korri B,May 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Very informative and interesting. The guide was great! It is a long tour, but you have a break to grab a snack.
kuddos to Denise
rebeccacZ8884FE,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Denise was so amazing and so knowledgeable and presented the information without reading . She made it so interesting and fun.
Doges palace and basilica
X9543ERrobertp,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent guide very knowledgeable l. 5 stars
From €71.00
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